Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018

Product Story

This wine represents Tongue Dancer Wines fourth Chardonnay and the second from Pratt Vineyard Irwin Lane in the Russian River Valley AVA. This vintage is a bit different than the last. Tongue Dancer frequently utilizes native yeast and in some cases the fermentation process can yield flavors that the French call "sauvage" meaning wild or natural. Great winemaking consists of farming, artistry of the winemaker, and mother nature — not necessarily in that order. The resulting wine has an extra lees or fresh homemade bread characteristic. We love that little nuance in this wine. The Chardonnay from this vineyard is all certified organic and the fruit was hand-picked. This Chardonnay is 100% barrel fermented and rested on its lees for 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is drinking great now — the but this wine has a promising future as well and five years in the cellar should reveal additional nuances.

Brand Story

Tongue Dancer WinesTongue Dancer Wines is the latest project from James and Kerry MacPhail. If you are a California Pinot Noir lover you likely know James' previous work with MacPhail Family Wines. In over two decades of work MacPhail built a well-deserved reputation as a Pinot Noir guru. Tongue Dancer Wines are Pinot Noir specialists including this delicious and unique Pinot Noir Rosé and a delicious Chardonnay that has now blossomed to a second version of Chardonnay. In short order Tongue Dancer Wines has become one of our most anticipated arrivals. We can't wait to see what they do next — we hear there may be bubbles in our future... WOW!

Tasting Note

Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of "leesy" freshly baked bread, baked apple, and lychee with supporting notes of honey, white peach, and citrus zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of baked fruits, lemon curd, and wet stones. The finish is long and lingering with subtle oak accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent yet sprite texture.

How to Serve

Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with smoked fish or vegetable curries.

Price: $ 42

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3985